Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has shared his thoughts on why his side was eliminated from the FIFA Club World Cup, despite securing a 1-0 win over Botafogo in their final Group B match on Monday. Atletico finished the group stage with six points, but it wasn’t enough to progress to the Round of 16 due to goal difference. Botafogo and Paris Saint-Germain advanced instead, having finished in the top two spots. Speaking after the match, Simeone pointed to the level of competition in their group as a key factor in their early exit. “People will say we got knocked…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, Neymar, has extended his contract with Santos until December, reaffirming his emotional connection with the club where his professional journey began. The 33-year-old rejoined Santos in January on a six-month deal following the termination of his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Since returning, Neymar has rekindled his form, having previously scored 141 goals and provided 69 assists in 243 appearances for the club. Despite speculation about a potential return to Europe, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star opted to remain with Santos through the end of the Brazilian Serie A season, with an…
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance after they secured a place in the last 16 of the 2025 Club World Cup. The MLS side played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Brazilian giants Palmeiras on Monday—a result that saw both clubs advance to the knockout stage. Goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez had put Miami in control with a two-goal cushion. However, late strikes from Paulinho and Mauricio ensured Palmeiras claimed a share of the spoils. “It was a great game from us. It’s difficult to play against one of the best teams…
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca appeared to factor in the extreme heat in Philadelphia—still feeling like 36°C at the 9pm kickoff—when selecting his team for their clash against ES Tunis. The Italian rotated heavily, making eight changes to his starting XI. Key players such as Cole Palmer, tournament top scorer Pedro Neto, and record signing Moises Caicedo were all rested. Maresca made additional substitutions during a subdued second half, as Chelsea gradually took control to avoid a potential upset. ES Tunis, who needed a win to advance at Chelsea’s expense, ultimately fell short. Striker Liam Delap scored his first Chelsea goal…
French football giants Lyon have been officially relegated to Ligue 2 due to ongoing financial issues, the club confirmed. The decision follows a provisional demotion by the DNCG—the French football financial watchdog—back in November. On Tuesday, Lyon officials, including majority owner John Textor, met with the DNCG but failed to convince the body that the club’s finances had improved enough to overturn the ruling. Textor’s Eagle Football Group, which holds a 77% stake in Lyon, had reported debts of £422 million as of last October. Lyon called the DNCG’s decision “incomprehensible” in an official statement and confirmed their intention to…
Paul Pogba is on the verge of completing a move to Monaco this week, marking his return to competitive football after serving a doping suspension. Earlier this month, BBC Sport reported that the French midfielder was in advanced discussions over a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 side. Sources close to the negotiations have since confirmed that an agreement is in place. Pogba is expected to arrive in France from his temporary base in the United States in the coming days to undergo a medical before signing. The former Manchester United and Juventus star was provisionally suspended after testing positive…
Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly exploring a potential double move that could see Alejandro Garnacho head to Stamford Bridge while Christopher Nkunku makes the switch to Old Trafford, according to multiple sources. Both players have faced challenging periods recently. Nkunku has struggled to secure a regular starting role at Chelsea, featuring sparingly outside the Conference League—and was left unused in the final of the competition. Garnacho, meanwhile, appeared disillusioned after playing just 19 minutes in United’s continental final against Tottenham, and has since raised eyebrows by sharing a photo of himself in an Aston Villa kit. The Telegraph reports…
FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral following allegations of racist abuse directed at Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger during Sunday’s Club World Cup match in Charlotte, North Carolina. The incident occurred late in the game when Rüdiger and Cabral were involved in a confrontation. Rüdiger then approached referee Ramon Abatti Abel, who responded by crossing his arms in front of his chest—a signal indicating that FIFA’s anti-racism protocol had been activated. Cabral has denied the allegation, claiming he called Rüdiger a “coward” and used an expletive, but did not make any racist remarks. The match, which…
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City followed up their opening win over Wydad AC with a dominant display against Al-Ain, cruising to a 5-0 victory to secure a place in the Club World Cup last 16. However, they will need to beat Juventus in their final group match to top Group G and avoid a potential showdown with the winners of Real Madrid’s group. City opened the scoring just eight minutes in through Ilkay Gundogan, whose attempted chipped cross looped over the goalkeeper and into the net. The German midfielder added a second with a composed dinked finish in the second half.…
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has revealed he would be open to a move to Barcelona and is particularly excited about the idea of playing alongside teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The 27-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, is currently training in Spain ahead of Manchester United’s pre-season, amid growing speculation about his future at Old Trafford. In an interview with Spanish influencer Javi Ruiz, Rashford was asked about the prospect of teaming up with Yamal. He responded:”Yes, for sure. Everyone wants to play with the best. Hopefully… we’ll see.” Yamal, just 17,…